Why Technical Talents Matter

In 20 years, what would a successful Nigeria look like to you?

I remember visiting the Yar'adua Centre in 2022. While on a tour of the Museum dedicated to the Late patriot, Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, my tour guide asked a question that challenged how I thought about the progress of our nation. He asked: 

In 20 years, what would a successful Nigeria look like to you?

Many of my colleagues gave answers you are probably thinking about right now. Great electricity, good roads, high disposable income, less inflation. All of these are valid but his answer made us pause and think, He said

“I think, my vision of a successful Nigeria is when I would be able to travel from Abuja to Zamfara by train and see no difference in the quality of life and thinking of the people” 

His view was profound to me because while that reality is simple to imagine, it will take a whole generational mindset shift to achieve. Now, I realize that his reality might be closer than we expected. Why? … Technology. 

To See the Future, We Must Understand the Past

Once technology was introduced to Nigeria and Africa, it became a leveler. The introduction of computers, mobile phones, and the internet began a shift. What started as an exciting novelty—access to emails, messaging, and browsing—soon began evolving into something far more impactful: opportunities for education, commerce, and entrepreneurship.

In the 1990s, Nigeria’s technological landscape was still in its infancy. Computers were rare, the internet was slow, and mobile phones were reserved for those who could afford them. However, as Nigeria entered the 21st century, things began to change rapidly. The telecom boom of the early 2000s democratized communication, and the advent of affordable mobile phones meant that even the most remote villages had access to digital technology.

Then came the rise of technical talent. As more Nigerians gained access to the internet, many began exploring careers in tech, developing software, providing digital services, and creating startups that connected Nigeria to the global marketplace. Fast forward to today, and Nigeria boasts of Africa’s largest and most vibrant tech ecosystems.

A Mindset Shift: Embracing Technical Skills

But what has powered this transformation is not just the availability of technology—it’s the shift in mindset. More Nigerians now understand that embracing technical skills isn’t just a path to individual success, but a foundation for national progress. Software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and engineers are no longer just niche roles; they are the builders of our future.

As the tech industry grows, so does the ripple effect. Job creation, foreign investments, and innovation fuel sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and transportation. Imagine the Abuja-Zamfara train, a symbol of infrastructure and prosperity, powered by homegrown talent capable of designing, maintaining, and optimizing such systems.

The Future is Now

The vision my tour guide shared—a Nigeria where no part of the country is left behind in terms of quality of life—is possible. It will be technical talents that close the gap between dreams and reality. And it’s already happening. With initiatives like the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, we’re building the workforce to turn this vision into a reality.

Nigeria’s path to success is not a distant dream; it is in the hands of the rising technical talents today. They are the ones who will create the technologies, infrastructure, and innovations that will ensure a future where every corner of Nigeria thrives.

Stay innovative, stay inspired.

Aaliyah Tawasimi

Communications Lead, 3MTT

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Community Corner

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Events

Lagos Ecosystem Mixer

We hosted a 3MTT Ecosystem Mixer in partnership with IHS, Endevour, Black Ops and PremiaBN and it was amazing. It brought together key players in Nigeria's tech industry interested in learning more about the impact 3MTT is striving to achieve and how they can be a part. With attendees from AWS, Google, MTN, Piggyvest, GOMYCODE, and Huawei , the event served as a vibrant platform for exploring private sector collaboration and future innovation. Catch the highlights below:

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our partners and attendees for making the event a huge success.

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Digital Nigeria Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge 2024

Help Shape Nigeria’s Future!

Create interactive maps of your state’s infrastructure in the Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge. Stand a chance to win ₦5M! Apply before 25th September 2024: https://digitalnigeria.gov.ng/challenge/.

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Get Inspired

1. Watch: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s TED talk “How Africa can keep rising”, where she talks about the positive progress on the continent and outlines eight challenges African nations still need to address to create a better future.

2. Read: This opinion piece by the HM ‘Bosun Tijani on How Nigeria is leading on digital transformation for a stronger economy.